The present invention relates to use of a quaternary ammonium salt-type anthraquinone-based active material, and a salt cavern organic aqueous redox flow battery. The quaternary ammonium salt-type anthraquinone-based active material is used as a negative active material in a salt cavern battery, and a quaternary ammonium salt group is introduced, which can improve the solubility of anthraquinone in a neutral sodium chloride solution, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery. Also, the material has a relatively good stability, without the need for charging and discharging under the protection of an inert gas environment.